Applicator tool



Aug. 31, 1954' J. E. HALL APPLICATOR TOOL 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 16, 1949 IIIIIIIIW Y M M.

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INVENTOR. M4555 5 //0// ATTOR/YEH Aug. 31, 1954 I L 2,687,566

APPLICATOR TOOL Filed May 16, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

47' FNEK Aug. 31, 1954 J. E. HALL 2,687,566

APPLICATOR TOOL Filed May 16. 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

fv w 147' OIQNEK Patented Aug. 31, 1954 TENT OFFICE APPLICATOR TOOL Jesse E. Hall, Weatherford, Tex. Application May 16, 1949, Serial No. 93,457

8 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in an applicator and refers more particularly to a device for applying rubber protectors to drill pipe. Its principal novelty resides in the use of two splined tapered cones mounted in opposed relationship upon a mandrel in a hydraulic jack so the splines of each cone register with the slotted portions of the opposed cone, expanding a rubber annulus between the cones by moving the cones together, shifting the expanded protector to the sleeves of a collapsible hydraulically controlled transfer cage and releasing the expanded protector from the cage directly onto a section of drill pipe.

It is recognized that many different types of applicator tools have been devised but none have given the satisfaction desired for a number of different reasons some of which will be mentioned. Because of the great expansion force required apparatus has been heavy, cumbersome and difficult to handle and operate. The machines heretofore devised frequently tore the edges, defaced the surfaces or completely disrupted the protector during the expanding operation. Another objection is the delay and the time that it takes to expand the protectors and transfer them to the drill pipe causing delay in other operations on the rig.

An object, therefore, is to provide an applicator which is efficient, rapid in operation and one which reduces tearing or marring of the rubber edges or surfaces of the protector to a minimum.

Another object is to provide a portable device which may be carried and transported from place to place in light truck or in the rear of an automobile.

A further object is to provide an applicator which can be operated by an individual and the protectors expanded and transferred from the expanding mechanism to the drill pipe almost as rapidly as the operator can engage and disengage the transfer cage from the frame.

Other and further objects will be obvious from the description which follows.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals indicate like parts in the various views there is shown an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the splined tapered members and hydraulic jack or frame with. a protectorin position to be expanded.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the hydraulic jack with the transfer cage extended and positioned within the frame,

Fig. 3 is a side view of the hydraulic jack and transfer cage, the latter contracted, and a protector expanded ready to be transferred from the cage to a drill pipe,

and 8, comprises a hydraulic Fig. 4 is a perspective View of the transfer cage on a drill pipe preparatory to releasing the protector, I

Fig. 5 is a side View of a portion of the drill pipe with the protector mounted thereon,

Fig. 6 is an end view of the hydraulic jack showing the construction of the removable end plate,

Fig. '7 is a View taken along the line 1-1 2 in the direction of the arrows, and

Fig. 8 is a side view of the hydraulic jack and cage with parts broken away and parts in section to reveal the mounting of the splined tapered members and transfer sleeves.

The applicator is made up of four essential parts or units which include a hydraulic jack, a transfer cage, a removable slidable splined tapered member or cone and removable end plate.

Hydraulic jack The hydraulic jack, best shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 cylinder It to which is affixed base plate II. The hydraulic system and controls for actuating the piston have been omitted for simplicity. Extending from the base plate are a plurality of tie rods 1 2, which are rigidly attached at one of their ends to the base plate to form a rigid open cage or frame; at their opposite free ends are looking heads IZa formed by machining grooves in the rods a short distance from the ends. Upon the hydraulic piston it, operating in a cylinder I0, is fixedly mounted the splined tapered member or cone Id. The forward frusto conical tapered portion of the member is slotted longitudinally to form the splines Ma. Centrally of the member is a shoulder 4b while the rear of the member has a plain surfaced taper I40, but is not splined. This portion of the cone is internally slotted to receive the splines of the opposed cone when they are brought into registration as hereinafter explained. Piston 13 extends ahead of the splined cone H5 in the form of a cylindrical mandrel l5.

Slidable tapered member In Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 is shown a slidable splined tapered member l6, corresponding in its general construction to member I4 in that it has the tapered splines I 6a, a shoulder portion i612, and an unsplined tapered rear portion 16c. The shoulder portion, however, of this cone is at the opposite side of the cone from the shoulder on cone i4. Tapered member I i is centrally drilled to slidably fit on mandrel i5 and a keyway is milled within the cone to register with key M on mandrel 15 to prevent rotation of the cone on the mandrel. The key is located to position cone i6 so its splines are in alignment and will register with the slots of cone l4 when the two cones are moved together, as will be hereinafter described. In Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 there is shown in Fig.

is of such size as to slide between the expanding cones and shown mounted upon 'Thefitmnsfer cage The transfer cage used for carrying the expanded protector from the frame to the drill pipe is shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, '7 and 6. Its construction is probably best shown in Figs. 2, sand 3. In brief, it comprises flanged sleeves .20 and 2! whose tapered stepped sleeve portions are designated as 29a and zla, respectively. The-flanges of both sleeves are apertured to slide freely onto rods 12, and when transfer cage is mounted thereon (see Figs. 2, 3, 7 and 8) the rods serve as guide rails-to maintain the sleeves properly centered with respect tothe axis of mandrel [5. It will be seen from Fig. 8 that the bore of sleeve 20 freely onto the cylindrical portionof cone member 16, and when positioned as shown its tapered exterior is, in effect, a continuation of the tapered nose portion of member H5. Similarly, sleeve 2! is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical portion of member 14 in that its tapered exterior will form a continuation of the tapered nose of the cone It; under this condition it will be understood that the shoulder l lb on member l4 seats in the complementary annular recess in the rear face of sleeve 2!.

Arranged around the circumference of the flange of sleeve 20 and afixed thereto by bolts 22 are a plurality of hydraulic pistons 23 reciprocable in hydraulic cylinders 24. The flanged such manner portion of sleeve 2! is also apertured to receive l hydraulic cylinders 24, and is fixedly attached to the cylinders so the sleeve moves with them. The hydraulic system of the transfer cage is a closed system comprising the space within the cylinders 24 on opposite sides of pistons 24a, detailed in Fig. 7, connected through a series of pipes 25 at one end of the cylinders and by pipes 28 at the opposite end of the cylinders. These pipes at the opposite ends of the hydraulic cylinders are interconnectedby pipes 21 and 28 through valve 29. The manner in which the pipes of this hydraulic system are connectedinto the hydraulic cylinders, to providecommunication for the liquid to pass from one end ofthe cylinders to the other, is best shown inFigs. 2,.4 and 7. the hydraulic cylinders are perforated spacer tubes 23b attached to-the flange of sleeve 2 l. and abutting against baseplate .H to properly position the transfercage within the hydraulic jack. Handles 38 on theedgeof flange 2i facilitate handling of the cage.

The backing plate A backing or holding plate 3! is shown removed from the frame in Fig. 3 and in end elevation in Fig. 6. This plate is apertured to receive the head portions (2c of tie rods l2. .Inthe. plate are drilled elongated holes 32 equipped with locking plates 33, the latter serving to rigidly hold the plate in position at the ends of the tierods when their heads have been inserted in the holes and the plate rotated through an angle corresponding to the arc of the holes. To facilitate mounting of the backing plate 3! and attaching and detaching it from the ends of the tierods there are furnished on the outer face of the plate handles 38-. Slotted openings .35 in the plate accommodate the heads. of bolts 22 by which the hydraulic pistons 23 are attached to the flanges of sleeves 20.

Surrounding v the opposite ends .towardseach other within the protector.

Operation the hydraulic jack is lowered to a and, with the holding plate In operation, horizontal position T3 the-cone Hi and the transfer cage all removed,

I8 is slid onto the mandrel and of cone l4. Removable cone i6 is then slid onto the mandrel with its splines facing those of cone [4, key I! registering with the'keyway within the cone and holding the cone against rotation. It will be noted that the .tapered endsof the splines of the two cones now a protector against the splines have entered'the opposite ends of the protector It as shown in Fig. 1.

Next, turning to the transfer cage, valve 29 is opened and the sleeves 20 and 2| are manually pulled apart as far as possible, which, it will be understood, causes the hydraulic fluid in cylinders 24 to flow from the ends nearest sleeve 20 to of the cylinders. Closing of valve 29 will lock the sleeves in separated condition.

The transfer cage then is slid onto the guide rails 12 whereupon sleeve 2! advances over the cone member 16 and over the protector l8 to approximately the position illustrated in Figs. 2

and 8; the backing plate 3! then is mounted on and locked to theends of the rods l2 as shown in Figs. 2, 6 and 8 so that it abuts the outer face of sleeve 20 andcloses the endof the frame on which'the transfer cage now is supported.

Preparatory to expanding the protector l8, valve 29 is opened so that sleeves 2il and 2! no longer are lockedin separatedcondition. Then hydraulic fluid is'introduced behind the piston incylinder l0 by-fiuid pumpmechanism conventional to hydraulicapparatus and omitted from the drawings. Suitable controls are used in the introductionof-the fluid to control the rapidity with which the piston is actuated and the length .of the thrust.

As the piston l3, cone l4 and mandrel |5move as a unit longitudinally within the elongate frame formed by the rods or rails I2 and'the associated end plates H and 3|, the splines of the respective cones will advance evenly The cones are aligned on the mandrel so that the splines of each register with the slots of the opposed cone andthe depth of the slots in the respective cones is such that the cones can be drawn together to a position Where their cylindrical portions are in substantial abutment. As cone l4 moves'with' the piston toward'this position its shoulder portion Mb seats in the recess in the outer surface of sleeve '21 causing the sleeve to'move with it along the guide rails as it advances toward'the other cone. Plate 3| at the opposite end of the jack'abuts against the shoulder portion 16b vof :cone 16 holding it fixedly against longitudinal :movement as cone M advances.

Under this condition,.as has been pointed out hereinbefore, the tapered exterior of each sleeve is in effect a-continuation of the tapered nose of the cone which projects beyond the end of the sleeve; 'or to put it differently, each cone now is disposed within its associated sleeve as an internal core, and the two parts function as a unitary, continuously:tapered member wherein the large portionof .thetaper lies on-the exterior of the sleeve and the contiguoussmaller portion of the taper lies on-the nose ofthe cone element. Thus, asthe two tapered assemblies (each assembly comprising thetwo partsfunctioning as an integral unit) move toward one anotherprotector I8 is expanded and the outer edges of the protector expand outwardly moving along the tapered surfaces of the splines and thence onto the transfer sleeves where the protector finally rests in the fully expanded condition shown in Fig. 3. As can be appreciated from this figure the adjacent ends of the sleeve and 2| now are in substantial abutment midway between the ends of the protector and the protector thus is supported wholly on the tapered portion of the two sleeves, while at the same time it is compressed in an axial direction by the end fianges on the sleeves. At this time valve 29 is closed to lock the pistons 23 in retracted position within the cylinders 24 so that the sleeves 20 and 2| cannot move apart when the compressive force exerted on them by the cylinder in is released.

This force next is released by reversing the travel of piston 13 in cylinder l0, and then holding plate 31 is rotated to an unlocked position and removed as shown in Fig. 3. The transfer cage now can be slid off the ends of the rods l2 and carried to the drill pipe onto which it is desired to mount the protector. During this transfer operation it will be obvious that the protector in its expanded condition is under great elastic stress, the nature of which is such as to impose upon the sleeves 20 and 2| a very great force tending to urge them apart; as long as valve 29 remains closed, however, the sleeves cannot move apart and the hydraulic system of the transfer cage thus functions as a tension link between the two sleeves securing them together against the oppositely directed force exerted by the protector itself.

While in this condition the transfer cage can be advanced along the drill pipe as shown in Fig. 4 to locate the protector in desired position, and when so located valve 29 is opened to release the expanded protector and permit it to contract onto the surface of the pipe; the highly elastic force of the expanded protector snaps the sleeves apart and shifts the hydraulic fluid in cylinders 24 from one end of the cylinders to the opposite end through the hydraulic pipe system previously explained. Grease is used on the surfaces of the sleeves to reduce friction during expansion and facilitate discharge of the protector from the sleeves to the drill pipe. In its constricted condition protector l8 will grip tightly and evenly to the surface of the drill pipe as shown in Fig. 5. The cage can now be slipped off of the end of the pipe and is ready for use in expanding another protector.

It is recognized that meshing splined cones have been used in the expanding of drill pipe protectors, as shown in the patent to Harris No. 2,346,301. Transfer sleeves have also been used to shift an expanded protector from the expanding mechanism to the drill pipe, but it is believed novel in this art to utilize the meshing splined cones with transfer sleeves in the relationship shown and employing a transfer cage with buffering hydraulic cylinders.

Thus, it will be seen that there has been provided a device for expanding protector rings or rings of any sort whose inside diameter is to be enlarged to fit upon a larger object. There has been provided an applicator which requires a minimum of manual elfort and one in which high expansive forces are obtained by the simple manipulation of a single hydraulic cylinder. The applicator not only provides a means for easily expanding a protector but furnishes a portable device for transferring the expanded annulus from the expanding mechanism to the drill pipe where it is released and applied to the pipe in a safe and simple operation.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the invention is well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinbefore set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

As many possible embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It will also be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a device of the kind described, a rigid frame having a pair of laterally spaced side rails, a pair of axially aligned sleeves disposed between said rails and having laterally extending flanges slidably received on the rails whereby said sleeves are movable longitudinally thereof, the exterior of each sleeve tapering axially toward the other sleeve, a generally cylindrical core slidably received in the bore of each sleeve and having a tapered nose projecting beyond the sleeve and forming a continuation of the tapered exterior thereof, the tapered noses of the respective cores longitudinally splined and adapted to intermesh, a hydraulic ram mounted on said frame and connected to one of said cores for reciprocating the core axially, a thrust connection between said one core and its sleeve for causing the sleeve to move with the core when the latter travels toward the other core, a stop plate releasably secured to said rails for limiting the movement of said other core and its sleeve away from said one core, a

plurality of telescoping links extending parallel p to the axis of the sleeves from the flange of one sleeve to the flange of the other, said links adapted to contract as' the distance between said flanges decreases, and means for at times looking said links in contracted condition to prevent axial separation of the sleeves.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein the splines of one core are staggered circumferentially relative to the splines of the other whereby said cores intermesh upon movement of said one core toward the other.

3. In a device for installing on a pipe a rubberlike collar whose bore is smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe when the collar is in its normal unexpanded condition, a pair of co-axial generally conical members tapering toward one another, the smaller ends of said members adapted to enter opposite ends of the bore of said collar, means for advancing said members toward one another to cause the larger ends of same to enter the collar whereby the collar is expanded radially, each of said members comprising a core having a tapered nose forming said smaller end of the member and a co-axial sleeve having a tapered exterior forming a continuation of said nose, which continuation comprises said larger end of the member adapted to enter said collar upon said advance, a releasable connection between said two sleeves comprising cooperating elements on the respective sleeves forming a tension link therebetween and normally preventing the sleeves from moving apart when same have been advanced into said collar, said cores constructed and arranged in the sleeves to be removed therefrom when the sleevesare thus connected wherebythe collar is supported on and maintained in expanded condition by said sleeves alone, the bore of said sleeves being larger than said pipe whereby the pipe can be advanced therethrough when said cores have been removed, and means for releasing said connection thereby to permit said sleeves to move apart. H w

4, In a, device for installing on a pipe a rubberlike collar whose bore is smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe when the collar is in its normal unexpanded condition, a pair of co axial generally conical members tapering toward one another, the smaller ends of said members adapted to enter opposite ends of the bore of said collar, means for advancing said members toward one another to cause the larger ends of same to enter the collar whereby the collar isexpanded radially, each of said members comprising a generally cylindrical core having a tapered nose forming at the smaller end of said member and a coaxial sleeve having a tapered exterior forming a. continuation of said nose, which continuation comprises said larger end of the member, each core comprising circumferentially spaced splines, thesplines of one core being staggered circumferentially relative to the splines of the other core whereby said tapered noses are adapted to mesh and pass one another upon said advance and permit the adjacent ends of the two sleeves to come into substantial abutment within the collar, annular flanges on the respective sleeves adapted to abut the ends of the collar and compress same axially as the adjacent ends of the sleeves approach one another, a telescoping connection between the two sleeves comprising co-acting elements on the respective flanges adapted to relative'to one another during the advance of the sleeves toward one another, means for locking said elements against relative movement when the adjacent ends of the sleeves are in substantial abutment thereby to hold the sleeves together, and said cdresednstructed and arranged to be withdrawn from the bores of the sleeves when the sleeves are thus held together.

5 In a device for installing on a pipe a rubber-- like collar whose bore is smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe when the collar is in its. normal unexpanded condition, a pair of co-axial sleeves disposed in axially spaced relation,' the bore of said sleeves being larger than'said pipe, power operated means for advancing saidsleeves axially toward one another until their ends sub-'- stantially meet, means for expanding the collar radially as the sleeves approach one another and i at the same time supporting the collar in axial alignment with the sleeves so'thesleeves enter opposite ends of the enlarged bore of the collar, the exterior of each sleeve tapering axially to; ward the other sleeve whereby the advance of the sleeves into said collar causes the collarto 'co'n tinue to expand, an enclosed tube connected to one of said sleeves,'.a piston in the tube having a piston rodconnected to the other sleeve whereby said piston travels" through the tube during said advance of the sleeves toward one another, by draulic fluid in the'tube on both sidesiof the piston, a duct connecting the fluid space on one. side of the piston with the fluid space on the other side whereby the fluid flows from one sid'of the piston to the other upon said'travel of the piston and Valvemeans in aid duct operable at will to close same and thus' cause said'tub'e and piston to resistmovement of said sleeves relative to one another.

8, In a device for installing on a pipe a rubberlike collar whose bore is smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe when the collar is in its normal unexpanded condition, a pair of co-axial sleeves ,disposed in axially spaced relation the bore of said sleeve being larger than said pipe, power operated means for advancing said sleeves axially toward one another until their ends substantially meet, means for expanding the collar radially as the sleeves approach one another and at the same time supporting the collar in axial alignment with the sleeves so the sleeves enter opposite ends of the enlarged bore of the collar, the exterior of each sleeve tapering axially toward the other sleeve whereby the advance of the sleeves into said collar causes said collar to continue to expand, annular flanges on the rSl eGtiVe sleeves adapted to engage opposite ends of the collar and compress the collar axially as the adjacent ends of the sleeves approach one another, a plurality of enclosed tubes secured to one of said flanges at circumferentially spaced intervals, said tubes paralleling the axis of said sleeves and each containing a piston having a piston rod connected to the other one of said flanges, hydraulic fluidin each tube on both sides of the piston, passageways through which fluid can flow, from one side of the respective pistons to the other side during said movement of the sleeves, and' valve means associated with said passageways operable to prevent said flow and thus cause said tubes and pistons to resist movement of said sleeves relative to one another.

'7. In a device for installing on'a pipe a rubberlike collar whose bore is smaller than the'outside diameter of the pipe when thecollar is in its normal unex panded condition, a pair of axially aligned sleeves tapered toward each other adapt ed at times to enter opposite ends of the bore of said collar and hold same in expanded condition, eaeh of said sleeves having a bore larger than the outside diameter of said pipe, an annular flange on each sleeve, rigid telescoping membershaving one'end secured to the flange of one of said sleeves at circumferentially spaced intervals, the opposite ends of said telescoping members'connected to the flange of the other sleeve, whereby said'sleeves are movable axially toward and away from one another, and means operable at will to prevent said axial movement of the telescoping members.

8. A device as in claim 7 having a core removablyl insertable in the bore of each sleeve, each core having a'tap'ered nose projecting from the associated sleeve and forming a continuation of the tapered exterior ofthe sleeve, means for immobilizing one of said sleeves and its core as a unit and simultaneously advancing the other sleeve and its core as a unit axially toward said first unit, the respective cores comprising circumferentially staggered splines whereby said tapered, noses are adapted to pass one another upon said'advance and permit the adjacent ends of the sleeves to come into substantial abutment.

References Cited in theme of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,320,553 Barnes June 1, 1943 2,328,771 Barnes Sept. 7, 1943 2,334,557 Howard Nov. 16, 1943 2,346,30l Harris Apr. 11, 1944 2,435,868 Boyd Feb. 10, 1948 2,440,009 Graham Apr. 20, 1948 

